The Threat of Thwaites Glacier: Antarctica's Ticking Time Bomb

🏔️The Thwaites Glacier holds the largest chunk of ice in Antarctica, with the potential to raise sea levels by over 3 meters.

🌊Warmer air and water due to climate change are causing the ice sheet to melt. The melting is faster in the western part of Antarctica, where Thwaites Glacier is located.

🗺️The melting of Thwaites Glacier is accelerating the flow of ice into the sea, contributing to global sea level rise.

🔵Scientists have discovered a huge cavity beneath Thwaites Glacier, indicating its collapse is imminent.

⏳The collapse of Thwaites Glacier could start within this century, eventually leading to more than 3 meters of sea level rise.

How fast is Thwaites Glacier melting?

—Thwaites Glacier has doubled its flow rate in the past 30 years due to melting. It is melting at a faster rate in the western part of Antarctica.

What would happen if Thwaites Glacier collapses?

—The collapse of Thwaites Glacier could trigger the collapse of the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet, resulting in more than 3 meters of sea level rise.

Can the collapse of Thwaites Glacier be prevented?

—Curbing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to slowing or stalling the collapse of Thwaites Glacier. However, it is uncertain whether it can be completely prevented.

When will Thwaites Glacier collapse?

—There is uncertainty around the exact timing of Thwaites Glacier's collapse. Some scientists believe it could start within this century, while others suggest it is already underway.

Which regions would be most affected by the collapse of Thwaites Glacier?

—The collapse of Thwaites Glacier would result in significant sea level rise, affecting coastal regions around the world, including cities such as Miami, southern Bangladesh, parts of the Netherlands, and New York City.

00:00Sea-level rise will be one of the greatest challenges we face in the next century.

00:09Antarctica holds the largest chunk of ice on Earth, with Thwaites Glacier contributing to rising sea levels.

00:37Thwaites Glacier is a massive glacier in Western Antarctica, about the size of Florida.

02:11The collapse of Thwaites Glacier could lead to more than 3 meters of sea level rise.

02:33The front of Thwaites ice shelf has retreated, indicating its instability.

03:00Thwaites Glacier's collapse could start within this century, triggering a chain reaction of ice sheet collapse.

03:30The collapse of Thwaites Glacier would result in significant sea level rise and submerge coastal areas.

04:32Once Thwaites Glacier starts to collapse, it won't stop.